5 Hilarious Secrets Behind Carol Burnett's Iconic Curtain Dress Costume That Still Make Us Laugh

The "curtain dress" worn by Carol Burnett in the "Went with the Wind!" sketch is arguably one of the most recognizable and brilliant sight gags in the history of television comedy, and its enduring humor continues to resonate with audiences today, decades after its debut. This iconic costume, a masterful parody of the famous green gown from Gone with the Wind, cemented the genius of both Burnett and legendary costume designer Bob Mackie, creating a moment of pure comedic gold that perfectly captured the spirit of The Carol Burnett Show.

Today, as of December 2025, the legacy of this simple yet brilliant costume is often revisited in retrospectives and interviews, highlighting its place in pop culture. The story behind how the dress—complete with a functional curtain rod—was conceived, its impact on the show, and its final resting place is a fascinating look into the golden age of variety television and the unparalleled comedic timing of its star, Carol Burnett.

Carol Burnett: Biography and Profile

Name: Carol Creighton Burnett

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• Born: April 26, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas.
• Occupation: Comedian, Actress, Singer, Writer.
• Career Highlights: Widely regarded as one of the most iconic figures in television history, known for her groundbreaking work in variety and sketch comedy.
• Key Works: The Carol Burnett Show (1967–1978), Once Upon a Mattress (Broadway), Annie (Film), Mad About You (TV), Better Call Saul (TV).
• Awards and Honors: Recipient of six Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, a Grammy Award, a Peabody Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. She is an inductee into the Television Hall of Fame.
• Recent Activity: Carol Burnett remains active in the industry and was notably nominated for an Emmy Award in 2024 for her work in television.

The Genesis of a Sight Gag: Bob Mackie's Masterpiece

The legendary "curtain dress" was the centerpiece of the 1976 sketch "Went with the Wind!," a brilliant parody of the classic 1939 film Gone with the Wind. The entire sketch revolved around the famous scene where Scarlett O'Hara, played in the film by Vivien Leigh, fashions a new dress from her mother's green velvet draperies.

The script for The Carol Burnett Show skit, which featured Carol Burnett as the character "Miss Starlett," called for her to appear in a dress made from the curtains. However, the true genius came from the show’s legendary costume designer, Bob Mackie, who was responsible for creating more than 17,000 costumes for the show's run.

When Mackie read the script, he realized a simple dress made from curtain fabric wouldn't be funny enough. He decided to take the concept to its logical, hilarious extreme: if the dress was made from the draperies, why not include the hardware? Mackie's brilliant addition was the functional, albeit ridiculous, curtain rod, which was slung between Burnett's shoulders, still attached to the fabric.

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Carol Burnett recalls seeing the completed costume during a fitting and immediately falling to the floor laughing, predicting it would become "one of the funniest sight gags in the history of television." The simple, deadpan delivery of Miss Starlett's line—"I saw it in a window and I just couldn't resist it"—while wearing the monstrosity, is what truly sealed the moment as an iconic piece of comedy.

The costume was a perfect example of how Bob Mackie's designs elevated the comedy, often serving as a punchline themselves. Mackie has always embraced the fame of the "curtain dress," a testament to his unique contribution to the show's success.

The Curtain Rod: A Lesson in Comedic Timing and Design

The success of the "curtain dress" lies in its commitment to the joke. It wasn't just a dress made of curtain material; it was a dress that looked like it had been ripped from a window moments before. The visible, awkward curtain rod across the shoulders is the key element that transforms a funny costume into a legendary comedic prop. This detail is crucial for topical authority when discussing this sketch.

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The "Went with the Wind!" sketch, which also featured Vicki Lawrence as Sissy, ran for only about 10 minutes but generated an immediate and lasting reaction. The sheer absurdity of Miss Starlett's unwavering pride in her "gown," while her maid Sissy (Lawrence) looked on in disbelief, made the moment unforgettable. The costume itself became a character.

The sketch is often cited by comedians and costume designers as a masterclass in visual humor. It highlights the collaborative genius between Burnett, who had the perfect physical comedy and deadpan delivery, and Mackie, whose design was the ultimate visual punchline. The costume's enduring appeal is that it is instantly recognizable and funny, even to those who have never seen the original Gone with the Wind film.

Where is the Miss Starlett Costume Now?

The ultimate sign of the costume's cultural significance is its preservation. The original "Miss Starlett" curtain dress, which Carol Burnett wore in the 1976 broadcast of "Went with the Wind!," is not hidden away in a private collection.

In a significant moment for television history preservation, designer Bob Mackie and Carol Burnett officially donated the iconic costume to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. The costume is now part of the museum's permanent collection, ensuring that this piece of American comedic history is preserved for future generations.

The donation includes the dress itself, which is a parody of the iconic green velvet gown, complete with the famous gold-colored curtain rod. Its inclusion in the Smithsonian alongside other artifacts of American culture underscores the profound impact The Carol Burnett Show and its visual gags had on the nation's cultural landscape. This preservation effort highlights the enduring legacy of the show and its star, cementing the curtain dress's status as a true American icon.

The costume’s placement in the museum serves as a physical reminder of the show’s commitment to quality comedy and the extraordinary partnership between Carol Burnett and Bob Mackie, a partnership that produced over a decade of unforgettable television moments and thousands of memorable outfits.